Oakwood Alumni Plaza Set to Open in Fall

Thanks to the partnership between Oakwood Schools and The Oakwood Schools Foundation a

project nearly three years in the making will become a reality this fall.  The Oakwood Alumni Plaza, funded entirely by private donations, will provide a welcome addition to the most used entrance at Oakwood Junior High and Oakwood High School. 

“We always appreciate The Oakwood Schools Foundation’s support for our students and staff in the classroom with grants, and are now enjoying this expanded partnership and support of our continued focus on facilities.  As critical members of our team, OSF has assisted us in completing Lane Stadium a few years ago, developing the Oakwood Alumni Plaza and will in the future continue to help us enhance the arts,” Oakwood Schools Superintendent Dr. Kyle Ramey said.

The concept of the Alumni Plaza evolved in 2017 when a member of the OHS Class of 1967 wanted to learn about the District’s needs.  In reviewing those needs, it was the proposal for an "Alumni Plaza" to be installed in one of the most highly traveled areas on the OHS/OJH campus that intrigued the alum, who represented a private foundation.  

“The Alumni Plaza moved from concept to reality because one of our alumni provided OSF with a matching fund donation of $50,000.  Many more alumni and friends generously came forward to support the project.  The Alumni Plaza is another example of the OSF’s partnership with Oakwood Schools and our goal to provide quality opportunities and facilities for students and staff.  The OSF will continue to explore new opportunities to privately fund district-wide improvements,” OSF Board Chair Chris Conard said.

The transformed outdoor space, located near the south entrance of OJH on East Schantz Ave., will serve many purposes for school and community groups.  A point of interest in the plaza will be a large brick paver circle encompassing a block “O” for Oakwood. Within the circle, paver bricks have been engraved with the names of generous donors who helped support the project.  OHS classes ranging from 1950 to 2035 will be recognized on the paver bricks.   With plenty of seating and new landscaping, the plaza will promote social interactions and define the main entrance to the building from East Schantz Ave.  The design for the plaza also addressed the drainage issues in the area.

An official ceremony dedicating the area to Oakwood Schools and its students past, present and future will be held this fall.